A new community allotment in Co Antrim has opened to great fanfare with green fingered residents eager to get planting.
The new site in Crumlin sits adjacent to the community centre on land which was acquired by the council from the Crumlin Young Farmers Club.
Taking up just under an acre of the 3.5 acre site, there have been calls to bring the rest of the land known locally as the Barely Field into public use.
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Local councillor for the area, Annemarie Logue said the allotments, which boast 35 plots, 35 timber sheds, 9 car parking spaces, fencing and a waste yard, are a welcome addition to the town.
"This is a fantastic investment. We have been waiting nearly 10 years for this," she said.
"We couldn't find land but it has been fantastic that we have been able to use this land at the back of the community centre.
"This is a huge investment in our health and wellbeing and people are delighted to be here working on their plots which we can see are taking shape already."
Cllr Logue added that the allotments encourage self-nurturing with the space to grow organic vegetables and will help combat social isolation within the area.
Plot holder JP McNeice said that he is looking forward to growing some potatoes and rhubarb on his plot.
"It is great to see positive investment into Crumlin but more importantly, it is good that we have a place to go which is safe and secured where we can learn new skills and pass new skills on to the younger generation," he added.
"It is going to be trial and error for myself. I've potatoes in and I'm hoping to grow rhubarb. celery and the basic staples going forward.
"It's somewhere to come and reflect. It's just a great place to be."
All of the allotment plots have been allocated, but those interested in adding their name to the waiting list can contact the Parks Administration Team via E. allotments@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or T. 028 9034 0139 (9am to 5pm – Monday to Friday).
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